CBM UK launches emergency appeal for people with disabilities affected by Nepal Earthquake

CBM UK, the overseas disability charity, is launching an emergency fundraising appeal for some of the most vulnerable people affected by the Nepal Earthquake.

Kirsty Smith, Chief Executive of CBM UK said, “People with disabilities are disproportionally affected in an earthquake. They may not get warning messages of aftershocks or be able to reach food, water or emergency shelters. A recent UN report said “people living with disabilities are more likely to be left behind or abandoned during evacuation in disasters …”. We are responding to ensure disabled people can access urgent relief. We are also planning support for our orthopaedic and rehabilitation partners in Nepal to help people who have been injured who need immediate medical aid. CBM is calling on your support to help reach those that have been affected by this devastating disaster.”

Over 3300 people have lost their lives in the worst earthquake to hit Nepal in over 80 years, with the death toll expected to rise further. The 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck on 25th April 2015 at 11:41 local time, with the epicentre 81km northwest of Kathmandu. There were tremors of up to two minutes and by evening, at least 18 aftershocks had been felt. Many areas that have been affected are still inaccessible, and there is little or no information available on the condition of people living in remote areas.

Many hospitals and emergency shelters are overwhelmed. Thousands of people are left without the most basic supplies. Food, clean water, shelter and medical are in great demand.

CBM Nepal worker, Mitralal Shrestha said, “A seven-storey building only 300 metres from my house collapsed. More than 25 families were staying there. It was totally destroyed. We helped the people, calling police, taking them to hospital. In the hospital there were no free beds; people were just lying on the floor getting treatment.”

CBM Emergency Response Unit has been in contact with CBM’s Regional and Country Offices, and staff directly affected on the ground, and is working to make contact with CBM-supported 9 partner-projects in Nepal. These include eye and ear care programmes, Community-based Rehabilitation, mainstreaming of mental health and psychosocial disability, education and livelihood and empowerment of women

For more information or to donate to this appeal visit: www.cbmuk.org.uk or call 01223 484700.